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Zebulon, N.C. — A 3-year-old boy from Zebulon who was battling a rare bone disease passed away over the weekend, family members said Monday.

Ethan Benoit was pronounced dead at WakeMed Hospital just before noon on Sunday. Family members said they believe it was a heart attack.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Ethan and his family appeared on WRAL News in December after their holiday decorations were stolen.

Family members said Ethan loved to watch the lights and listen to the music so they saved money to purchase an inflatable Winnie the Pooh and Grinch for their lawn last year.

When the Benoits filed a police report, the Franklin County sheriff's office decided to help. Deputies collected donations and found the same inflatable characters plus four more to decorate the Benoit’s yard.

froggiejones2662May 17, 2010

I AS A MOTHER WHO BURRIED HER SON 25 YEARS AGO I FEEL YOUR PAIN . MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVEING ARMS.REST IN PEACE LITTLEONE YOU ARE HOME NOW. FAMILY KNOW HE IS WAITING ON YOU,TO JOIN HIM ONE DAY

shortcake53May 17, 2010

Rest in peace with no more pain Little One. Heartfelt sympathy to the family.

babbleonMay 17, 2010

my sympathy to the family.

flame19652001May 17, 2010

My heart goes out to this family!Rest in peace Ethan

pwilliamson53May 17, 2010

Rest in Peace lil Man, you are now free. I remember this story at Christmas and another big "THANK-YOU" to the Deputies for going beyond the calling and bringing joy back into this lil man's life. To the family, may you find comfort in the knowledge he's in a better place with God's arms around him.

philburn0303May 17, 2010

May you rest in God's arms and in peace, Nathan.

Love-Me-Or-Hate-MeMay 17, 2010

I remember that story, I watched it and I cryed. Rest In Peace lil man.